PROVIDENCE – In the first round of 2013 grant funding through the Renewable Energy Fund, the R.I. Economic Development Corporation board of directors has approved a combined $184,334 to seven companies to support solar photovoltaic systems that will produce electricity in a “cleaner, more sustainable manner,” the quasi-state agency announced Tuesday.

“With the first deployment of grants under the new Rules and Regulations for the Renewable Energy Fund approved by the RIEDC Board in December, we are supporting some exciting projects that will strengthen the state’s leadership in renewable energy,” Jerauld Adams, vice-chair of the EDC board and president of North American Industries, said in prepared remarks.

Funding was awarded to commercial and small-scale solar energy projects that are designed to help businesses increase their energy independence and to help bolster the renewable energy industry in Rhode Island.

Funding included two commercial projects – National Security Corp. and Clem’s Electric – and five small-scale solar projects.

East Providence-based National Security Corp. sells, services, designs and installs fire, security, CCTV and access security systems. The commercial projects grant of $28,250 will be used to help design, procure and construct a 39.76 kilowatt rooftop solar system at the company’s headquarters. The project will cover 100 percent of its electricity needs, according to an EDC release.

Bristol-based Clem’s Electric serves both residential and commercial electric customers. According to the EDC, the company has become an expert in energy efficiency for commercial properties and low-income housing. “By installing the solar system, Clem’s will not only expand their business to provide renewable energy services, but they will be able to use the project installation as hands-on training for their employees,” said the EDC release.

Four of the small-scale solar energy grant recipients are local residential and commercial solar companies and the fifth is a local developer of moderate- and low-income housing.

Church Community Housing in Newport will receive $34,596 to help build four net-zero homes in Tiverton – each containing an 8.95 kilowatt solar photovoltaic array.

Newport Solar will receive $13,197 to help design and install a total of 11.7 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic on five residential properties. Providence-based Real Goods Solar is slated to receive $26,388 to install solar photovoltaic on four residential properties.

Attleboro, Mass.-based U.S. Solar Works will receive a $22,644 grant to help design and install a total of 18.5 kilowatt of solar photovoltaic on three residential properties in Rhode Island.

Entech Engineering is slated to receive $31,869 to help design and install four solar photovoltaic systems on Block Island. Three of the systems will be for residences with a battery back-up and one will be located at a new wool textile mill on the island. The EDC release said that this award is pending Block Island’s designation from the Public Utilities Commission as an eligible jurisdiction for the renewable energy funds.

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